Secondary computing device display system

ABSTRACT

A secondary computing device display system includes a removable attachment mechanism operable to removably attach a secondary computing device display to a primary computing device display. The removable attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment member, operable to slideably attach to the secondary computing device display, and a second attachment member, comprising a clamping trench and a clamp locking lever. The second attachment member is operable to removably clamp the primary computing device display by inserting a clamping ridge of the primary computing device display in the clamping trench and engaging a notched surface of the clamping ridge with the clamp locking lever. The first and second attachment member are frictionally rotatable with respect to each other along a first axis and a second axis.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. PatentPublication No. 2009/0122474, filed Nov. 7, 2008, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to computing devices, and morespecifically to computing device display systems.

BACKGROUND

Users may desire to utilize more than one display concurrently withtheir computing devices. Computing devices may include, but are notlimited to, personal computers, workstations, laptop computers, personaldigital assistants, telephones, computer appliances, MP3 players, orother electronic devices that perform computing functions. Usersdesiring to utilize more than one display concurrently typically have topurchase one or more external displays and then connect these externaldisplays to the selected computing device, generally to a video cardinstalled in the computing device. Users may utilize multiple screenswhen supported by an operating system of the computing device, includingbut not limited to Windows®, so that when opening more than one “window”the user is able to view each window on a separate screen.

Generally, however, the use of multiple screens is expensive and bulky.In most cases, the primary and secondary screens are large and unwieldy,making them difficult to transport or set up while a user is traveling.Most have dedicated, attached bases and are adjustable only over alimited range of heights. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for animproved secondary computing screen and/or an improved system forsetting up a secondary computing screen.

SUMMARY

A secondary computing device display system may enable one or moresecondary computing device displays to be removably attached to at leastone primary computing device display. The secondary computing devicedisplay system may include at least one secondary computing devicedisplay; at least one primary computing device display; and at least oneremovable attachment mechanism structured and arranged to removablyattach the at least one secondary computing device display to the atleast one operable primary computing device display.

In some implementations, the removable attachment mechanism may includea first attachment member, operable to slideably attach to the at leastone secondary computing device display, and a second attachment member.The second attachment member may include a clamping trench, includingfirst and second clamping lips that define an aperture that is narrowerthan the clamping trench, and a clamp locking lever. The secondattachment may be operable to removably clamp to a primary computingdevice display by inserting a clamping ridge of the primary computingdevice display into the clamping trench and utilizing the clamp lockinglever to engage a notched surface of the clamping ridge. The firstattachment member may be frictionally rotatably coupled to the secondattachment member such that the first attachment member is frictionallyrotatable with respect to the second attachment member along a firstaxis and a second axis. The second attachment member may be frictionallyrotatably coupled to the first attachment member such that the secondattachment member is frictionally rotatable with respect to the firstattachment member along a first axis and a second axis.

The at least one computing device image display may include at least onecomputing device image display input receiver which may include at leastone universal-serial-bus-enabled connector. The at least oneuniversal-serial-bus-enabled connector may include at least twouniversal-serial-bus-enabled connectors wherein at least oneuniversal-serial-bus-enabled connector transmits video data and at leastone universal-serial-bus-enabled connector transmits power. The at leastone universal-serial-bus-enabled connector may include at least onevideo data converter. The at least one operable secondary computingdevice display may have a smaller perimeter than the at least oneprimary computing device display.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not necessarily restrictive of the present disclosure. Theaccompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure.Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerousfeatures made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating desktop secondarycomputing device displays of the secondary computing device displaysystem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a front elevational view, illustrating the desktopsecondary computing device displays according to the embodiment of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view, illustrating a laptop secondarydisplay and computing device coupling arrangement, according to a firstalternative embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view, illustrating a secondarycomputing device display and a computing device coupling assembly,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view, schematically illustrating a jointof the clamp of the secondary computing device display system accordingto the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6 shows a side elevational view, illustrating a clamp of thesecondary computing device display system, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view, illustrating a second clamp of thesecondary computing device display system, according to a secondalternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a top isometric view, illustrating a removable attachmentmechanism of the secondary computing device display system, according toa third alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a bottom isometric view, illustrating the removableattachment mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10A shows a side cross-sectional view of the removable attachmentmechanism of FIG. 8, illustrating a cross-section of a second attachmentmember of the removable attachment mechanism;

FIG. 10B shows a side cross-sectional view of the removable attachmentmechanism of FIG. 8, illustrating a cross-section of a first attachmentmember of the removable attachment mechanism;

FIG. 10C shows a side cross-sectional view of the removable attachmentmechanism of FIG. 8, illustrating a cross-section of a second attachmentmember of the removable attachment mechanism;

FIG. 10D shows a side cross-sectional view of the removable attachmentmechanism of FIG. 8, illustrating a cross-section of a first attachmentmember of the removable attachment mechanism;

FIG. 10E shows a top isometric exploded view, illustrating the removableattachment mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10F shows a bottom isometric exploded view, illustrating theremovable attachment mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11A shows a top isometric view, illustrating a removable attachmentmechanism of the secondary computing device display system, according toa fourth alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B shows a bottom isometric view, illustrating the removableattachment mechanism of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A shows a side view of the removable attachment mechanism of FIG.11A, illustrating the locking lever of the second attachment member inthe locked position;

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the removable attachment mechanism of FIG.11A, illustrating the locking lever of the second attachment member inthe unlocked position;

FIG. 12C shows a front view of the removable attachment mechanism ofFIG. 11A, illustrating the locking lever of the second attachment memberin the locked position;

FIG. 12D shows a front view of the removable attachment mechanism ofFIG. 11A, illustrating the locking lever of the second attachment memberin the unlocked position;

FIG. 12E shows a top view of the removable attachment mechanism of FIG.11A, illustrating the locking lever of the second attachment member inthe locked position;

FIG. 12F shows a top view of the removable attachment mechanism of FIG.11A, illustrating the locking lever of the second attachment member inthe unlocked position;

FIG. 12G shows a side view of the removable attachment mechanism of FIG.11A;

FIG. 13A shows a top view of the removable attachment mechanism of FIG.11A coupled removably clamped to a clamping adapter;

FIG. 13B shows a side view of the removable attachment mechanism of FIG.11A coupled removably clamped to a clamping adapter;

FIG. 13C shows a bottom view of the removable attachment mechanism ofFIG. 11A coupled removably clamped to a clamping adapter;

FIG. 13D shows a front view of the removable attachment mechanism ofFIG. 11A coupled removably clamped to a clamping adapter;

FIG. 14A shows a top view of the clamping adapter of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14B shows a side view of the clamping adapter of FIG. 13A; and

FIG. 14C shows a front view of the clamping adapter of FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The description that follows includes exemplary systems, methods, and/orapparatuses that embody techniques of the present disclosure. However,it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practicedwithout these specific details. Reference will now be made in detail tothe subject matter disclosed, which is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

A system may provide one or more secondary displays for use with acomputing system having a primary computing device display. In utilizingthe system, a user may select from a set of pre-sized displays takingthe form of one or more secondary displays that may be user-attached(e.g., removably attached), or user-removed, from a primary computingdevice display and connected to a selected computing device. Certain ofthe one or more secondary displays may be smaller than the primarycomputing device display and may be sized specifically, as selected by auser from a set of different-sized displays, for a user selectedpurpose. The one or more secondary displays may be selectively sized tohave about equally dimensioned adjacent sides to the primary computingdevice display and smaller perimeter sizing than the primary computingdevice display, or may have differing dimensioned adjacent sides to theprimary computing device display and the same or larger perimeter sizingthat the primary computing device display. The one or more secondarydisplays may be removably attached without the need for a separatelyinstalled video card.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating multiple secondarycomputing device displays 102 of the secondary computing device displaysystem 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The secondary computing device display system 100 may constitute one ormore secondary computing device displays 102, attachable to at least oneprimary computing device displays 104. Both the primary and secondarydisplays may be controlled by, or receive data from, at least onecomputing device in order to display images (whether generated bycomputer, camera, PDA, and so on). Sample secondary displays mayinclude, but are not limited to, touch screens; digital electronicdisplays; plasma screens; liquid crystal displays; high-performanceaddressing displays; thin film transistor displays; light-emitting diodedisplays; organic light-emitting diode displays; laser displays; surfaceconduction electron-emitter displays; nanocrystal displays; carbonnanotubes, and so on.

The secondary computing device displays 102 may be removably attached tothe primary computing device display 104 by a clamping assembly 100,which may include a swivel mechanism 112 (best viewed in FIG. 6), thatassists a user in placing the secondary computing device displays 102 ina user-preferred viewing position, as shown. In alternative embodimentsother removable attachment mechanisms such as, for example, friction-fitclamps, brackets, living hinges, mechanical fasteners, etc., may beutilized instead of, or in addition to, those described herein.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a primary computing device display 104 thatincludes a desktop base support 106 which supports the primary computingdevice display 104 and assists in supporting the secondary computingdevice displays 102, as shown.

FIG. 2 shows a front elevational view of the system 100 of FIG. 1,illustrating the desktop secondary computing device displays 102according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

The secondary computing device displays 102 may be attached to anyportion of the primary screen perimeter 114, such as the top perimeter116 and/or the side perimeter 118, as shown. The secondary computingdevice displays 102 may be attached adjacent and parallel to therespective top perimeter 116 and/or side perimeter 118 of the primarycomputing device display 104, as shown. The secondary computing devicedisplays 102 may be manufactured in a size to closely match at least onetop perimeter length “L” and/or side perimeter height “H” of the primarycomputing device display 104, as shown, or may be manufactured in a sizelarger or smaller than the at least one top perimeter length “L” and/orside perimeter height “H” of the primary computing device display 104.Further, the total perimeter of the secondary computing device display102 may be smaller than the total perimeter of the primary computingdevice display 104, also as shown. In alternative embodiments othercombinations of secondary screen dimensions such as screens smaller thanthe primary screen, etc., may be utilized. Secondary displays may bemanufactured by multiple manufacturers that will, upon negotiation,manufacture such screens. Examples of such manufacturers may include,but are mot limited to, TMDisplay™, SVA-NEC™, Sharp™, Samsung™, QDIQuanta Display™, LPL LG Phillips™, Innolux™, InfoVision™, HSD HannstarDisplay™, CPT Chunghwa Picture Tubes™, CMO Chi Mei Optoelectronics™, BOETechnology Group™, AU Optronics™, Wintek™, and so on.

FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view, illustrating a laptop secondarydisplay 122 and computing device coupling assembly 140 of a secondarycomputing device display system 120, according to a first alternativeembodiment.

The system 120 may include at least one secondary computing devicedisplay 126, as shown. The system 120 may have secondary computingdevice displays 126 that are mountable to a primary computing devicedisplay 122, such as the built-in screen of a portable or laptopcomputing device 124, as shown. As in embodiment 101, in system 120 thesecondary computing device displays 126 may be removably attached to theprimary computing device display 122, as shown and in the same fashiongenerally described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of a secondary computing devicedisplay 126 and a computing device coupling assembly 140, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. In both the embodiment of FIG.1 and the embodiment of FIG. 3, the respective secondary computingdevice displays (126 shown as representations) may be attached to aprimary computing device image display output (i.e. computer, camera,PDA, etc.) utilizing at least one computing device coupling assembly 140(shown with two computing device coupling assemblies 140 to laptopcomputing device 124). The computing device coupling assembly 140 mayassist video data transmission and/or power transmission through a USB(universal serial bus) protocol (such as USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and/or USB3.0), FireWire protocol, serial data transmission protocol, paralleldata transmission protocol and so forth.

Each secondary computing device display 126 may include a computingdevice image display means (which may be coupled to at least one USBenabled connector) for displaying at least one inputted image. Thecomputing device image display means may include at least one video dataconverter 144. The at least one video data converter 144 may be locatedinside the housing of the secondary computing device display 126. Samplevideo data converters 144 may include video processing componentscommercially distributed by suppliers and/or manufactures of video overstandardized interfaces (including, but not limited to, USB). Examplesof such video processing components may include, but are not limited to,components commercially distributed under the DisplayLink™ trademark andprovided by DisplayLink Corp. of Palo Alto, Calif. Such componentscommercially distributed under the DisplayLink™ trademark may include,but are not limited to, the DL-120 and/or DL-160 DisplayLink™ chiplines.

Certain embodiments may facilitate the sending of real-time interactivecomputing images from a computing device, to a secondary display 126,across nearly any standardized interface including (but not limited to)USB, FireWire, WiMedia, and Ethernet. A standard USB connector cable142, with a coupler 146, may be utilized to input computing imagedisplay data from a computing device to the display 126. In alternativeembodiments other connectors such as VGA, HDMI, DVI, SCART, etc., may beutilized, including proprietary connectors and cables capable ofcarrying multiple power and/or data signals simultaneously.

Power for the secondary computing device display 126 may be transmittedthrough the USB dedicated power cable 148. Individual USB connectorcables may be utilized for power and for data, as shown. However,alternate embodiments may utilize a single USB cable for both power anddata transmission. In alternative embodiments, other power supplyarrangements, such as a separate power source for the secondarycomputing device displays 126 including, but not limited to, typicalAC/DC (alternating current/direct current) power converters that pluginto a standard electrical wall outlet, etc., may be utilized. Acomputing device operating system may recognize the USB-connected devicethrough a reporting feature of the computing device's operating system(such as the “found new hardware” feature of certain WINDOWS operatingsystems). In a sample embodiment, data drivers and instructions toenable utilization of the secondary computing device display system maybe provided. In alternative embodiments, other operating systems andsystem driver locators including, but not limited to, the Internet,freeware, etc., may be utilized.

FIGS. 5-10F generally depicts various attachment mechanisms, or portionsthereof, for connecting a secondary display to a primary display of acomputing system. Each will be discussed in turn.

FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of a joint 216 of a clamp 200 ofthe secondary computing device display system 100 according to theembodiment 202 of FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a side elevational view,illustrating the clamp 200 of the secondary computing device displaysystem, according to an embodiment 202 of the present disclosure.

Clamp 200 may include a removable attachment mechanism for removablyattaching a computing device image display to the primary computingdevice display. The clamp 200 may constitute a dual-finger clamp 206 andan arm 210, as shown.

In alternative embodiments, other clamp arrangements such as the use ofa dual arm, dual finger, multi-arm configuration, more or less segments,etc., may be utilized.

The dual-finger clamp 206 may constitute a front finger clamp portion212 and a rear finger clamp portion 214, as shown. The front fingerclamp portion 212 may have a front joint 216, separating the frontfinger clamp portion into upper and lower segments, and permitting thesesegments to move about the joint. Joint 216 may constitute a flexingmechanism 220 (illustrated in FIG. 5) utilizing the loading of acompression spring 222 (illustrated in FIG. 5) in the longitudinaldirection of the articulated portions 224 so that each respectivearticulated portion 224 adjacent the joint 216 may be spring tensionedin a desired direction. As one example, the front joint 216 may permitthe articulated segments 224 to be biased toward the rear finger clampportions 214, as shown. The spring may be covered with an aestheticenclosure 225, as shown. In alternative embodiments, other jointarrangements such as more than one joint, etc., may be utilized.

Front finger clamp portion 212 may include two approximately equal sizedarticulated portions 224 sized such that the face 226 of the toparticulated portion 224 clamps to only a perimeter portion 228 of aprimary computing device display 122, as shown. Articulated portions 224may be about one-half-inch to about one-inch in height. In alternativeembodiments, other dimensions utilizing materials including, but notlimited to, plastics, hardwoods, ceramics, etc., may be utilized.

Rear finger clamp portion 214 may constitute two articulating portions280, one articulating portion 230, and two joints 286, as shown. Astaught above with respect to joint 216, each respective joint 286 mayinclude a flexing mechanism that utilizing the loading of a compressionspring in the longitudinal direction of the articulated portions 280 sothat each respective articulated portion 280 adjacent to the joint 286is spring tensioned in a specific direction, such as toward the frontfinger clamp portion 214, as shown.

Rear finger support 230 may be sized to firmly abut against the rearportion 232 of the primary computing device display 122 when thedual-finger clamp 206 engages the primary computing device display 122.In one sample embodiment, the rear support 230 may be about two to fourinches in height, as shown. The increased rear height (as compared tothe upper body 224 of the front finger 212) may provide a more stablesupport structure for the attached secondary computing device display.Generally, in operation, the rear support 230 and front finger upperbody 224 sandwich a portion of the secondary display 122 and are biasedtoward one another by a spring-tensioned joint 236 (which may constitutea flexing mechanism utilizing the loading of a compression spring suchthat rear finger clamp portion 214 and from finger clamp portion 212 aresprint tensioned in a specific direction, such as towards each other, asshown). The multiple joints 286 and multiple articulating portions 280and rear finger support 230 in the rear finger clamp portion 214 may actin combination to allow the rear finger clamp portion 214 to adjust inorder to contact the primary computing device display 122 at as manypoints as possible so as to support or clamp to a variety of primarycomputing device displays having different thicknesses.

This spring tensioned joint 236, to which both the front finger clampportion 212 and a rear finger clamp portion 214 are hingedly attached,permits the front finger clamp portion 212 and rear finger clamp portion214 to swing towards each other as they are spring tensioned togetherand may share the same hinge center axis, as shown. Thus, the removableattachment mechanism is based on the biasing of the springs in joints216, 286, and 236 to clamp to a primary computing device display. Thisarrangement may facilitate the front and rear fingers adjusting tosupport or clamp to a variety of primary computing device displayshaving different thicknesses, insofar as the respective articulatedportions 224 and 280 and articulated portion 230 frictionally engage theprimary computing device display 122, as shown. In alternativeembodiments, other friction clamping arrangements including, but notlimited to, plastic teeth, rubber ridges, carbon-fiber grooves, etc.,may be utilized.

To further assist frictional engagement between the clamp 200 andprimary computing device screen 122 and to reduce the likelihood of theprimary computing device screen being damaged by operation of the clamp200, each respective articulating portion 230 may include a pad 238,such as a rubber pad or a silicone rubber pad (which may have a Shorehardness of between about 30 and 60 and/or about 40 and 50). Inalternative embodiments, other friction materials and methods utilizingmaterials including, but not limited to, plastics, other rubbers,fabric, etc., may be utilized.

The arm 210 may constitute a single support 240, which may be hingedlyattached to a movable joint 242, as shown. Joint 242 may be a stiffenedjoint so as to allow swivel movement under pressure by a user, but notto swing freely. Single-arm second clamp portion 210 may support andattach to a secondary computing device display (for example, secondarycomputing device display 102, as described above). Single arm 240 mayinclude an attaching element 248, such as a “male” attaching elementthat attaches to the secondary computing device display 126 (or 102, forexample) by connecting to a matching “female” portion, which may includea channel to allow for some height adjustment, located behind therespective secondary computing device display. In alternativeembodiments, other methods to attach the single arm to the secondarycomputing device including, but not limited to, mechanical connections,releasable connection, snap and lock connections, etc., may be utilized.

The embodiment may include a swivel joint 244 situated between joint 236and joint 242, rotatable along axis 246, and situated transverse tojoint 236 and joint 242, as shown. The swivel joint 244 may be rotatedalong an axis 246 such that joint 236 rotates about a central axis 218parallel to joint 242 and perpendicular to axis 246 and/or that joint242 rotates about a central axis 218 parallel to joint 236 andperpendicular to axis 246. In alternative embodiments, otherarrangements and other angles of connections between the joints may beutilized.

FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of another sample clamp 260 of thesecondary computing device display system 100, according to analternative embodiment of the present disclosure. Clamp 260 may includean upper clamp portion 262 and a lower clamp portion 264, as shown.Upper clamp portion 262 may be connected to lower clamp portion 264 witha center-mounted pivot joint 266, such that upper clamp portion 262 canswivel with respect to lower clamp portion 264. Such motion permitssingle-axes rotation of a secondary display with respect to a primarydisplay, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. Returning to FIG. 7, asecondary computing device display 290 may be placed into upper clampportion 262 and then attached to a primary display 114 that nests inlower clamp portion 264 (not shown). Lower clamp portion 264 may be aU-shaped plastic extrusion and may include flexible side portions 270and 272. The flexible side portions 270 and 272 may fit a range ofprimary computing device screens. That is, because the flexible sideportions 270 and 272 are flexible, a variety of primary computing devicedisplay may fit into the lower clamp portion 264 and be frictionallyheld by the flexible side portions 270 and 272. Clamp 260 may beutilized with relatively low weight secondary displays and/or when a lowprofile clamp may be more user-preferable.

Each respective flexible side portion 270 and 272 may include a frictionpad 274. Friction pads 274 may be formed as a rubber friction pad, madefrom a material such as silicone rubber. In one example, the pads mayhave a Shore hardness of between about 30 and 60 and/or between about 40and about 50. The friction pads 274 enhance the friction between theclamp 264 and primary display, thereby reducing the likelihood of theclamp to detach from the display, either fully or partially. Inalternative embodiments, other friction materials and methods including,but not limited to, plastics, other rubbers, fabrics, gripping products,etc., may be utilized.

FIG. 8 shows a top isometric view of a removable attachment mechanism801 of the secondary computing device display system, according to athird alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. A firstattachment member 804 of the removable attachment mechanism 801 maylockably attach to at least one groove 805 formed on a surface of thesecondary computing device display 802. The first attachment member 804may lockably attach to the at least one groove 805 by engaging one ormore detents (best viewed in FIG. 10A as detents 1009) with one or morenotches in the groove 805. It should be noted that a single secondarydisplay 802 may include multiple attachment grooves 805. For example,attachment grooves may be located on different sides or surfaces of thesecondary display.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom isometric view of the removable attachmentmechanism 801 of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 illustrates a lower view of theremovable attachment mechanism 801. FIG. 9 also illustrates a frontsurface of the secondary computing device display 802. As illustrated,the front surface of the secondary computing device display 802 includesa screen for displaying images received from a computing device.

FIGS. 10A and 10C show a side cross-sectional view of the removableattachment mechanism 801 of FIG. 8, illustrating a cross-section of asecond attachment member, including a first clamping portion 1001 and asecond clamping portion 1007. The first clamping portion 1001 mayinclude a clamp locking lever 1003, at least one clip mechanism 1004,pressure mechanism 1005, and a first frictionally mounted shaft 1010.The first frictionally mounted shaft 1010 may be frictionally mountedwithin the first clamping portion 1001 (as shown). The second clampingportion 1007 may include engaging mechanism 1008, which may include aridged surface. As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D, the second clampingportion 1007 is operable to engage the first clamping portion 1001 todefine a gap between the interior surfaces of the second clampingportion 1007 and first clamping portion 1001 (the “clamping gap”. Thewidth of this clamping gap may be varied by passing the at least oneengaging mechanism 1008 through at least one aperture of the firstclamping portion 1001 and adjusting the relative position of theengaging mechanism with the aperture. The first clamping portion 1001may be operable to lock the second clamping portion 1007 to the firstclamping portion when the clamp locking lever 1003 is in a first,engaged position (shown in FIG. 10A). The first clamping portion 1001may allow the second clamping portion 1007 to move with respect to thefirst clamping portion 1001 when the clamp locking lever 1003 is in asecond, disengaged position (shown in FIG. 10C). The first clampingportion 1001 and the second clamping portion 1007 may be operable toremovably attach to a primary computing device display by removablyclamping at least a portion of the primary computing device displaywithin the clamping gap. In alternative embodiments, other removableclamping materials and methods including, but not limited to, a barclamp, a c-clamp, a spring clamp, etc., may be utilized.

The at least one clip mechanism 1004 may be spring-biased to not engagethe ridged surface of the engaging mechanism 1008 (as shown in FIG.10C), allowing the second clamping portion 1007 (and associated ridgedengaging mechanism 1008) to move with respect to the first clampingportion 1001. An end 1029 of the clamp locking lever 1003 may exertpressure on the clip mechanism 1004 to overcome the spring bias andforce the clip mechanism 1004 to engage the ridged surface of the atleast one engaging mechanism 1008 when the clamp locking lever 1003 isin is in the first position (as shown in FIG. 10A), thereby locking thesecond clamping portion 1007 to the first clamping portion 1001. The atleast one clip mechanism 1004 may contact the ridged surface of the atleast one engaging mechanism 1008 (as shown in FIG. 10C) when the clamplocking lever 1003 is in is in the second position even though the atleast one clip mechanism 1004 may be spring-biased to not engage theridged surface when not subject to external force. Thus, even though theat least one clip mechanism 1004 may abut or be nearby the ridgedsurface of the at least one engaging mechanism 1008 (as shown in FIG.10C), the at least one clip mechanism 1004 typically does not engage theridged surface of the at least one engaging mechanism 1008 when theclamp locking lever 1003 is in is in the second position. In alternativeembodiments, other locking materials and methods including, but notlimited to, ratchets, screws, etc., may be utilized.

An adapter 1006 may be attached to a surface of the primary computingdisplay to facilitate engagement of the primary computing display withthe pressure mechanism 1005 and, ultimately, the clamp 1000. Adapter1006 may be mounted to the primary computing device display utilizing amounting mechanism including, but not limited to, an adhesive(including, but not limited to glue), magnets, and/or other attachmentmechanisms. Alternatively, the surface of the primary computing devicedisplay may be manufactured such that the adapter 1006 is incorporatedinto the primary computing device display. Adapter 1006 may include aplurality of notches and ridges which match up to a plurality of notchesand ridges on the pressure mechanism 1005, allowing the adapter 1006 toengage the pressure mechanism 1005. In alternative embodiments, asurface of the primary computing device display may be modified todirectly engage the pressure mechanism 1005 without use of theintermediary adapter 1006.

The pressure mechanism 1005 may be operable to engage the surface of theprimary computing device display (and/or the adapter 1006) clampedwithin the clamping gap (as shown in FIG. 10A). The pressure mechanism1005 may be operable to engage the surface of the primary computingdevice display by exerting pressure on the surface of the primarycomputing device display. The pressure mechanism 1005 may exert suchpressure when the clamp locking lever 1003 is in the first position. Aprotrusion 1030 formed on an exterior surface of the clamp locking lever1003 may abut and force downward the pressure mechanism 1005 when theclamp locking lever 1003 is in the engaged position, thereby causing thepressure mechanism 1005 move into a frictionally or mechanically engagedposition with the adapter 1006 or surface of the primary display.Conversely, the protrusion 1030 may disengage from, and thus not exertforce on, the pressure mechanism 1005 when the clamp locking lever 1003is in the disengaged position, thus permitting the pressure mechanism todisengage (frictionally, mechanically, or combinationally) from theadapter 1006 and/or surface of the display (as shown in FIG. 10C).Accordingly, when the clamp locking lever is in the engaged position,the pressure mechanism cooperates with the second clamping portion 1007to trap and hold fast a portion of the primary computing device display.This, in turn, prevents or reduces the likelihood that the clamp, and byextension any attached secondary display, will move with respect to theprimary display. Conversely, when the clamp locking lever 1003 is in thedisengaged position, the clamp 1000 may generally freely move withrespect to the primary computing device display. Thus, the clamp andassociated secondary computing device display may be repositioned orremoved when the clamp locking lever is in the disengaged position. Inalternative embodiments, other pressure materials and methods including,but not limited to, cams, ratchets, screws, etc., may be utilized.

FIGS. 10B and 10D show a side cross-sectional view of the removableattachment mechanism 801 of FIG. 8, illustrating a cross-section of thefirst attachment member 1002 as well as a second cross-sectional view ofthe first clamping portion 1001 and second clamping portion 1007. Thefirst attachment member 1002 may include a second frictionally mountedshaft 1011. The second frictionally mounted shaft 1011 may befrictionally mounted within the first attachment member 1002 (as shown).(It should be noted that either of both of the frictionally mountedshafts may be mechanically, adhesively or otherwise coupled instead offriction fitted.) The second frictionally mounted shaft 1011 may becoupled to the first frictionally mounted shaft 1010. The firstattachment member 1002 may be rotatable along a first axis and a secondaxis such that the first attachment member 1002 rotates along the firstaxis when the first frictionally rotatably mounted shaft rotates andalong the second axis when the second frictionally rotatably mountedshaft rotates. As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10D, the first axis of rotationis generally perpendicular to the second axis of rotation. Incombination with the lateral motion afforded by the engaging mechanism1008, the clamp 1000 may be thought of as having three degrees ofmechanical freedom, ignoring the ability to vary the positioning of theclamp along the surface of a primary computing display.

Presuming the first clamping portion 1001 and second clamping portion1007 are not affixed to an immobile surface, the second attachmentmember (made of the first clamping portion 1001 and the second clampingportion 1007) may be frictionally rotatable along the first axis and thesecond axis such that the first attachment member 1002 rotates along thefirst axis when the first frictionally rotatably mounted shaft rotatesand along the second axis when the second frictionally rotatably mountedshaft rotates. The first frictionally mounted shaft 1010 and the secondfrictionally mounted shaft 1011 may be frictionally mounted in that theyare mounted to rotate under sufficient force (such as that generated bya person's hand), but are frictionally held in place when not subject tooutside force. The first frictionally mounted shaft 1010 and the secondfrictionally mounted shaft 1011 may be frictionally mounted utilizingone or more frictional rotation mechanisms (including, but not limitedto, one or more washers, springs, belleville springs, and/or bellevillewashers) that enable rotation but utilize friction to restrict theenabled rotation. Thus, the first frictionally mounted shaft 1010 andthe second frictionally mounted shaft 1011 may be rotated, but do notrotate freely in the absence of pressure sufficient to overcome thefriction. In alternative embodiments, other frictional rotationmaterials and methods including, but not limited to, ball jointsmagnets, gears, etc., may be utilized.

The part of the second clamping portion 1007 that partially defines theclamping gap may include a pad (not shown) to aid in removably clampingthe at least a portion of the primary computing device display withinthe gap. The pad may aid in creating friction when removably clampingthe at least a portion of the primary computing device display and maybe at least partially protect the primary computing device displayagainst damage from the removable attachment mechanism 801. The pad mayinclude, but is not limited to, a rubber pad and/or a silicon rubberpad. In alternative embodiments, other pad materials and methodsutilizing materials including, but not limited to, plastics, otherrubbers, fabric, etc., may be utilized.

FIG. 10E shows a top isometric exploded view of the removable attachmentmechanism 801 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10F shows a bottom isometric exploded viewof the removable attachment mechanism 801 of FIG. 8. As shown, thepressure mechanism 1005 may be operably coupled to the first clampingportion 1001 utilizing pressure mechanism housing 1019. Also as shown,the at least one clip mechanism 1004 mounted within the first clampingportion 1001 may include clip mount 1016, clip spring 1017, and clip1018.

As shown in these Figures, the first frictionally mounted shaft 1011 mayinclude attachment piece 1013, bearing 1022, screw 1012, one or morewashers 1021, and one or more belleville springs 1020. Bearing 1022 maybe molded in place within the first attachment member 1002. The firstfrictionally mounted shaft 1011 may be assembled by inserting theattachment piece 1013 through the one or more washers 1021 (only oneshown) and the bearing 1022 (which is within the first attachment member1002) and inserting the screw 1012 through the one or more washers 1021,the one or more belleville springs 1020, and the bearing 1022 (which iswithin the first attachment member 1002) to connect the screw 1012 withthe attachment piece 1013. Also as shown, the second frictionallymounted shaft 1010 may include lateral shaft 1014, screws 1012, one ormore washers 1021, one or more belleville springs 1020, and attachmentpin 1015. The second frictionally mounted shaft 1010 may be assembledinserting the screws 1012 through the one or more washers 1021 and theone or more belleville springs 1020 to connect the screws 1012 with thelateral shaft 1014 within the first clamping portion 1001. The firstfrictionally mounted shaft 1011 and the second frictionally mountedshaft 1010 may be coupled by inserting the attachment piece 1013 intothe first clamping portion 1001, inserting the lateral shaft 1014through an aperture in the attachment piece 1013, and inserting theattachment pin 1015 through holes in both the attachment piece 1013 andthe lateral shaft 1014. In alternative embodiments, other frictionalmounting materials and methods including, but not limited to, balljoints, magnets, etc., may be utilized.

As shown, the adapter 1006 (best seen in FIG. 10E) may be adapted toengage the pressure mechanism 1005 by including a plurality of ridgesand notches. Also as shown, the pressure mechanism 1005 (best seen inFIG. 10F) may be adapted to engage the adapter 1006 by including aplurality of ridges and notches. The plurality of ridges and notches ofthe adapter 1006 and the plurality of notches and ridges of the pressuremechanism 1005 may be configured (as shown) such that the ridges of theadapter 1006 match up to the notches of the pressure mechanism 1005 andthe notches of the adapter 1006 match up to the ridges of the pressuremechanism 1005. Thus, the ridges of the adapter 1006 are configured toengage the notches of the pressure mechanism 1005 and the notches of theadapter 1006 are configured to engage the ridges of the pressuremechanism 1005. By engaging the adapter 1006 with the pressure mechanism1005, the removable attachment mechanism 801 is operable to utilizefriction to reduce the amount of pressure sufficient to removably clampthe primary computing device display. In alternative embodiments, otherengaging materials and methods including, but not limited to, magnets,adhesive, etc., may be utilized.

Although the adapter 1006 is illustrated as a contiguous strip, itshould be understood that other adapters 1006 may be utilized withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, one ormore strips, dots, or other shaped adapters 1006 (which may becontiguous or non-contiguous) may be utilized. In other alternativeembodiments, the removable attachment mechanism 801 may removably clampto a stand (not shown) instead of or in addition to the primarycomputing device display. In such other alternative embodiments, theadapter 1006 may be mounted to such a stand and/or the stand may bemanufactured such that the adapter 1006 is incorporated into the stand.

The operation of the removable attachment mechanism 801 will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10A-10F. The firstattachment member 804 is slid into to the at least one groove 805 of theat least one secondary computing device display 802 to lockably attachthe first attachment member 804 to the at least one secondary computingdevice display 802 by engaging the one or more detents (best viewed as1009 in FIG. 10A) with one or more notches in the at least one groove805.

The second clamping portion 1007 engages the first clamping portion 1001to define the clamping gap by passing the at least one engagingmechanism 1008 through at least one aperture of the first clampingportion 1001. The first clamping portion 1001 allows the second clampingportion 1007 to move with respect to the first clamping portion 1001 asthe clamp locking lever 1003 is in the disengaged position (shown inFIG. 10C). Part of the primary computing device display is positionedwithin the clamping gap. The second clamping portion 1007 is moved withrespect to the first clamping portion 1001 to minimize the gap aroundthe segment of the primary computing device display engaged in theclamping gap. Ideally, at least part of the primary computing devicedisplay should contact both the first clamping portion 1001 (or thepressure pad 1005) and the second clamping portion 1007 (or frictionalpad). The clamp locking lever 1003 is moved to the engaged position(shown in FIG. 10A). As the clamp locking lever 1003 is moved to theengaged position, the clamp locking lever 1003 exerts pressure on the atleast one clip mechanism 1004 to overcome the spring-bias and force theat least one clip mechanism 1004 to engage the ridged surface of the atleast one engaging mechanism 1008, locking the second clamping portion1007 to the first clamping portion 1001 (shown in FIG. 10A).Additionally, as the clamp locking lever 1003 is moved to the engagedposition, the clamp locking lever 1003 exerts pressure on the pressuremechanism 1005 which causes the pressure mechanism 1005 to exertpressure on the surface of the primary computing device display (asshown in FIG. 10A), engaging the surface of the primary computing devicedisplay. Thus, the first clamping portion 1001 and the second clampingportion 1007 are removably clamped to the primary computing devicedisplay. Then, the at least one secondary computing device display 802is then frictionally rotatable along the first axis and the second axis(with respect to the primary computing device display) by rotating thefirst or second frictionally mounted shafts and the primary computingdevice display is frictionally rotatable along the first axis and thesecond axis (with respect to the at least one secondary computing devicedisplay 802) by rotating the first or second frictionally mountedshafts.

Then, the clamp locking lever 1003 is moved to the disengaged position(shown in FIG. 10B). As the clamp locking lever 1003 is moved to thedisengaged position, the clamp locking lever 1003 no longer exertspressure on the at least one clip mechanism 1004. In the absence ofpressure, the spring-bias causes the clip mechanism 1004 to not engagethe ridged surface of the at least one engaging mechanism 1008, allowingthe second clamping portion 1007 to move with respect to the firstclamping portion 1001 (shown in FIG. 10B). Additionally, as the clamplocking lever 1003 is moved to the engaged position, the clamp lockinglever 1003 no longer exerts pressure on the pressure mechanism 1005 suchthat the pressure mechanism 1005 no longer exerts pressure on thesurface of the primary computing device display (as shown in FIG. 10B)and no longer engages the surface of the primary computing devicedisplay. Thus, the first clamping portion 1001 and the second clampingportion 1007 are no longer removably clamped to the primary computingdevice display. The second clamping portion 1007 is moved with respectto the first clamping portion 1001 to increase the gap around the atleast a portion of the primary computing device display such that theprimary computing device display may be removed from the gap.

FIG. 11A shows a top isometric view of a removable attachment mechanism1200 attached to a secondary computing device display 1100, according toa fourth alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. A firstattachment member 1202 of the removable attachment mechanism 1200 mayslideably attach to at least one attachment groove 1101 formed on asurface of the secondary computing device display 1100. It should benoted that a single secondary display 1100 may include multipleattachment grooves 1101. For example, attachment grooves 1101 may belocated on different sides or surfaces of the secondary display 1100. Asillustrated, the first attachment member 1202 and that attachment groove1101 may each include a first portion and a second portion such that thefirst portion is narrower than the second portion. The widths of thefirst and second portions of the first attachment member 1202 and theattachment groove 1101 may substantially correspond, enabling the firstattachment member 1202 to slidably attach to the attachment groove 1101by inserting the first attachment member 1202 into the attachment groove1101. In some implementations the width of one or more portions of thefirst attachment member 1202 may be greater than the widths of one ormore portions of the attachment groove 1101, resulting in pressureoperable to lockably attach the first attachment member 1202 and theattachment groove 1101 when the first attachment member 1202 is insertedinto the attachment groove 1101. In various implementations, the firstattachment member 1202 and the attachment groove 1101 may include one ormore corresponding detents and notches that are operable to engage andlockably attach the first attachment member 1202 and the attachmentgroove 1101 when the first attachment member 1202 is inserted into theattachment groove 1101.

The removable attachment mechanism 1200 also includes a secondattachment member 1201 rotatably connected to the first attachmentmember 1202 utilizing a second rotatable shaft 1204 couple to a firstrotatable shaft 1203. The second rotatable shaft 1204 may befrictionally mounted within the second attachment member 1201 and thefirst rotatable shaft 1203 may be frictionally mounted within the firstattachment member 1202, allowing second rotatable shaft 1204 and thefirst rotatable shaft 1203 to be frictionally rotated. However it isunderstood that in various implementations that either of both of thefrictionally mounted shafts may be mechanically, adhesively or otherwisecoupled instead of friction fitted. The first rotatable shaft 1203 andthe second rotatable shaft 1204 may be frictionally mounted in that theyare mounted to rotate under sufficient force (such as that generated bya person's hand), but are frictionally held in place when not subject tooutside force. The first rotatable shaft 1203 and the second rotatableshaft 1204 may be frictionally mounted utilizing one or more frictionalrotation mechanisms (including, but not limited to, one or more washers,springs, belleville springs, and/or belleville washers) that enablerotation but utilize friction to restrict the enabled rotation. Thus,the first rotatable shaft 1203 and the second rotatable shaft 1204 maybe rotated, but do not rotate freely in the absence of pressuresufficient to overcome the friction. In alternative implementations,other frictional rotation materials and methods including, but notlimited to, ball joints magnets, gears, and so on, may be utilized.

The second rotatable shaft 1204 may be coupled to the first rotatableshaft 1203. The first attachment member 1202 may be rotatable along afirst axis and a second axis such that the first attachment member 1202rotates along the first axis when the first rotatable shaft 1203 rotatesand along the second axis when the second rotatable shaft 1204 rotates.Presuming the second attachment member 1201 is not affixed to animmobile surface, the second attachment member 1201 may be frictionallyrotatable along the first axis and the second axis such that the secondattachment member 1201 rotates along the first axis when the firstfrictionally rotatably mounted shaft rotates and along the second axiswhen the second frictionally rotatably mounted shaft rotates. As shownin FIGS. 12A through 12F, the first axis of rotation is generallyperpendicular to the second axis of rotation. Thus, the removableattachment mechanism 1200 may be thought of as having two degrees ofmechanical freedom, ignoring the ability to vary the positioning of thesecond attachment member 1202 along the surface of a primary computingdisplay.

Referring again to FIG. 11A, the second attachment member 1201 includesa clamping trench 1205 and a first and second clamping lips 1206 and1207. The second attachment member 1201 also includes a clamp lockinglever 1208, which is rotatably connected to the second attachment member1201 utilizing a rotatable shaft 1209, and lever indents 1210. Althoughthe clamp locking lever 1208 is described as rotatably connected to thesecond attachment member 1201 utilizing the rotatable shaft 1209, it isunderstood that in various implementations other mechanisms may beutilized to rotatably attach the clamp locking lever 1208 to the secondattachment member 1201, such as ball joints, magnets, gears, and so on.As illustrated, the portion of the clamp locking lever 1208 over thelever indents 1210 may be wider than the lever indents 1210. This mayaid grasping of the clamp locking lever 1208 for manipulation of theclamp locking lever 1208.

FIG. 11B shows a bottom isometric view of the removable attachmentmechanism 1200 attached to a secondary computing device display 1100. Asillustrated, the first and second clamping lips 1206 and 1207 arepositioned on the first attachment member 1202 to partially cover theclamping trench 1205, defining an aperture over the clamping trench 1205that is narrower than the clamping trench 1205. FIG. 11B alsoillustrates a front surface of the secondary computing device display1100. As illustrated, the secondary computing device display 1100includes a screen for displaying images received from a computingdevice.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show side views of the removable attachment mechanism1200 of FIG. 11A. FIGS. 12C and 12D show front views of the removableattachment mechanism 1200 of FIG. 11A. FIGS. 12E and 12F show top viewsof the removable attachment mechanism 1200 of FIG. 11A. As illustrated,the clamp locking lever 1208 is operable between a first position (seeFIGS. 12A, 12C, and 12E) and a second position (see FIGS. 12B, 12D, and12F). The first position of the clamp locking lever 1208 may be a clamplock position and the second position of the clamp locking lever 1208may be a clamp unlock position.

As best illustrated in FIG. 12F, the clamp locking lever 1208 mayinclude a lever locking protrusion 1211 and the second attachment member1201 may include a lever locking notch 1213. When the clamp lockinglever 1208 is in the first position, the lever locking protrusion 1211may be operable to engage the lever locking notch 1213 to lock the clamplocking lever 1208 in the first position. When the clamp locking leveris moved to the second position, the lever locking protrusion 1211 maybe operable to disengage from the lever locking notch 1213 to allow theunlock the clamp locking lever 1208 from the first position. Althoughthe clamp locking lever 1208 is described as including the lever lockingprotrusion 1211 and the second attachment member 1201 is described asincluding the lever locking notch 1213, it is understood that any numberof protrusions and notches, disposed on the clamp locking lever 1208and/or the second attachment member 1201, may be utilized to lock theclamp locking lever 1208 in the first position. Further, it isunderstood that mechanisms other than notches and protrusions may beutilized to lock the clamp locking lever 1208 in the first position invarious implementations, such as magnets, clasps, and so on.Additionally, it is understood that some implementations may not lockthe clamp locking lever 1208 in the first position.

The clamp locking lever 1208 may include a clamp locking mechanism 1212the second attachment member 1201 may include a clamp locking aperture1214. As illustrated, the clamp locking aperture 1214 may be an aperturein the second attachment member 1201 into the clamping trench 1205. Whenthe clamp locking lever 1208 is in the first position, the clamp lockingmechanism 1212 may project through the clamp locking aperture 1214 intothe clamping trench 1205 (see FIG. 12G, which shows a bottom view of theremovable attachment mechanism 1200 of FIG. 11A). When the clamp lockinglever 1208 is in the second position, the clamp locking mechanism 1212may be positioned outside of the clamping trench 1205, not projectingthrough the clamp locking aperture 1214 (see FIG. 12F).

FIG. 14A is a top view of a clamping adapter 1400 that is operable to beremovably clamped by the second attachment member 1201. As illustrated,the clamping adapter 1400 includes a clamping ridge 1401 and a base1403. In FIG. 14A, the base 1403 is illustrated as having asubstantially ovoid non-geometric shape. However, in variousimplementations the base may have a variety of geometric ornon-geometric shapes such as circular, square, triangular, and so on. Asfurther illustrated, the clamping ridge 1401 includes a clamp lockingengaging surface 1402. The clamp locking engaging surface 1402 mayinclude a plurality of notches.

The base 1403 of the clamping adapter 1400 may be attached to a surfaceof the primary computing display to facilitate engagement of the primarycomputing display with the second attachment member 1201 and,ultimately, the removable attachment mechanism 1200. The base 1403 ofthe clamping adapter 1400 may be mounted to the primary computing devicedisplay utilizing a mounting mechanism including, but not limited to, anadhesive (including, but not limited to glue), magnets, and/or otherattachment mechanisms. Alternatively, the surface of the primarycomputing device display may be manufactured such that the clampingadapter 1400 is incorporated into the primary computing device displaysuch that the surface of the primary computing device display is thebase 1403.

In other implementations, the removable attachment mechanism 1200 mayremovably clamp to a stand (not shown) instead of or in addition to theprimary computing device display. In such other alternative embodiments,the clamping adapter mount 1400 may be mounted to such a stand and/orthe stand may be manufactured such that the clamping adapter mount 1400is incorporated into the stand.

FIG. 14B is a side view of the clamping adapter 1400. As illustrated,the clamping ridge 1401 includes a clamping post 1404 that couples theclamping ridge 1401 to the base 1403. Also as illustrated, the width ofthe clamping ridge 1401 is wider than that of the clamping post 1404.FIG. 14C illustrated a front view of the clamping adapter 1400.

FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate the removable attachment mechanism 1200coupled to the clamping adapter 1400. As illustrated, in FIGS. 13A, 13B,and 13D, when the clamping adapter 1400 is coupled to the removableattachment mechanism 1200, the clamping ridge 1401 is positioned atleast partially within the clamping trench 1205 and the clamping post1404 is positioned at least partially within the aperture definedbetween clamping lips 1206 and 1207. When the clamp locking lever 1208is in the first position, the clamp locking mechanism 1212 may beoperable to engage the clamp locking engaging surface 1402 to lock theclamping adapter 1400 to the second attachment member 1201. When theclamping adapter 1400 is locked to the second attachment member 1201,the clamping ridge 1401 may not be slideable with respect to the secondattachment member 1201.

In some implementations, the dimensions of the clamping trench 1205, theclamping lips 1206 and 1207, the clamping ridge 1401, the clamping post1404, and/or the clamp locking engaging surface 1402 may correspond suchthat the clamping ridge 1401 is held within the clamping trench 1205and/or the clamping post 1404 is held within the clamping lips 1206 and1207 with sufficient force such that the clamping ridge 1401 isfrictionally slideable perpendicular to the second attachment member1201 when the clamp locking lever 1208 is in the second position. Theclamping ridge 1401 is frictionally slideable in that it slides undersufficient force (such as that generated by a person's hand), but isfrictionally held in place when not subject to outside force. In otherimplementations, the dimensions of the clamping trench 1205, theclamping lips 1206 and 1207, the clamping ridge 1401, the clamping post1404, and/or the clamp locking engaging surface 1402 may correspond suchthat the clamping ridge 1401 is slideable perpendicular to the secondattachment member 1201 regardless whether subject to outside force whenthe clamp locking lever 1208 is in the second position.

The operation of the removable attachment mechanism 1200 will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B and 13A through 13D. Thefirst attachment member 1202 is slid into to the attachment groove 1101of the secondary computing device display 1100 to slideably attach thefirst attachment member 1202 to the secondary computing device display1101.

The clamp locking lever 1208 of the second attachment member 1201 ismoved to the second position. This causes the lever locking protrusion1211 to disengage from the lever locking notch 121. This also causes theclamp locking mechanism 1212 to be removed from the clamping trench 1205via the clamp locking aperture 1214.

Next, the second attachment member 1201 is coupled to the clampingadapter 1400 by inserting the clamping ridge 1401 into the clampingtrench 1205 and the clamping post 1404 into the aperture between theclamping lips 1206 and 1207. As the clamp locking lever 1208 is in thesecond position, the clamp locking ridge 1401 is slideable within theclamping trench 1205 perpendicular with respect to the second attachmentmember 1201. The clamp locking ridge 1401 is slid within the clampingtrench 1205 until the clamping ridge 1401 is positioned at leastpartially within the clamping trench 1205 and the clamping post 1402 ispositioned at least partially between the clamping lips 1206 and 1207.

The clamp locking lever 1208 is then moved to the second position. Thiscauses the lever locking protrusion 1211 to engage the lever lockingnotch 121, locking the clamp locking lever 1208 in the first position.This also causes the clamp locking mechanism 1212 to be inserted intothe clamping trench 1205, via the clamp locking aperture 1214. As theclamp locking mechanism 1212 is inserted into the clamping trench 1205,the clamp locking mechanism 1212 engages clamp locking engaging surface1402, locking the clamping adapter 1400 to the second attachment member1201. Thus, the clamping adapter 1400 has been removably clamped to thesecond attachment member 1201.

After the clamping adapter 1400 has been removably clamped to the secondattachment member 1201, the secondary computing device display 1100 isfrictionally rotatable along the first axis and the second axis (withrespect to the primary computing device display) by rotating the firstor second rotatable shafts 1203 and 1204 and the primary computingdevice display is frictionally rotatable along the first axis and thesecond axis (with respect to the at least one secondary computing devicedisplay 1100) by rotating the first or second rotatable shafts 1203 and1204.

Subsequently, The clamp locking lever 1208 of the second attachmentmember 1201 is moved to the second position, disengaging the leverlocking protrusion 1211 from the lever locking notch 1213 and removingthe clamp locking mechanism 1212 from the clamping trench 1205 via theclamp locking aperture 1214. As the clamp locking mechanism 1212 ispositioned outside the clamping trench 1205, the clamp locking engagingsurface 1402 is not engaged by the clamp locking mechanism 1212 engages,unlocking the clamping adapter 1400 from the second attachment member1201. Thus, the clamp locking ridge 1401 is slideable within theclamping trench 1205 perpendicular with respect to the second attachmentmember 1201.

The clamp locking ridge 1401 is then slid in the clamping trench 1205until the clamping ridge 1401 is positioned outside the clamping trench1205 and the clamping post 1402 is positioned outside the aperturedefined by the clamping lips 1206 and 1207. Thus, the second attachmentmember 1201 is no longer coupled to the clamping adapter 1400 and thesecondary computing device display 1101 is no longer removably clampedto the primary computing device display.

The present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will beunderstood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent thatvarious changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement ofthe components without departing from the disclosed subject matter orwithout sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form describedis merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claimsto encompass and include such changes.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments areillustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited tothem. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements arepossible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure have been described in the context or particular embodiments.Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently invarious embodiments of the disclosure or described with differentterminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined inthe claims that follow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A secondary computing device displaysystem, comprising: a primary computing device display; at least oneremovable attachment mechanism, comprising: a first attachment member;and a second attachment member, frictionally rotatably coupled to thefirst attachment member; wherein the second attachment member isfrictionally rotatable on a first axis and a second axis; and at leastone secondary computing device display, operable to be removablyattached to the primary computing device display utilizing the removableattachment mechanism; wherein the first attachment member is operable toslideably attach to the at least one secondary computing device display,the second attachment member is operable to removably clamp to a portionof the primary computing device display within the second attachmentmember; and the second attachment member comprises a clamping trenchwith an aperture and the portion of the primary computing device displaycomprises a clamping ridge at least partially inserted within theaperture of the clamping trench.
 2. The secondary computing devicedisplay system of claim 1, wherein the clamping trench includes a firstand second lip that define the aperture that is narrower than theclamping trench, the clamping ridge includes a clamping post that isnarrower than the clamping ridge, and when the clamping ridge is atleast partially inserted within the clamping trench the clamping post isat least partially inserted in the aperture defined by the first andsecond lip.
 3. The secondary computing device display system of claim 1,wherein the second attachment member further comprises a clamp lockinglever operable between a first position and a second position whereinthe clamp locking lever is operable to lock the second attachment memberto the clamping ridge when the clamp locking lever is in the firstposition.
 4. The secondary computing device display system of claim 3,wherein the clamping ridge is frictionally slideable within the clampingtrench when the clamp locking lever is in the second position.
 5. Thesecondary computing device display system of claim 3, wherein theclamping ridge comprises a clamp engaging surface including a pluralityof notches.
 6. The secondary computing device display system of claim 5,wherein the clamp locking lever further comprises a clamp lockingmechanism that is positioned at least partially within the clampingtrench when the clamp locking lever is in the first position.
 7. Thesecondary computing device display system of claim 6, wherein the clamplocking mechanism is operable to engage the clamp engaging surface tolock the second attachment member to the clamping ridge when the clamplocking lever is in the first position.
 8. The secondary computingdevice display system of claim 1, wherein the second attachment memberfurther includes a lever locking mechanism operable to lock the clamplocking lever in place when the clamp locking lever is in the firstposition.
 9. The secondary computing device display system of claim 8,wherein the portion of the primary computing device display comprises atleast one adapter mounted to the primary computing device display. 10.The secondary computing device display system of claim 9, wherein the atleast one adapter is adhesively mounted to the primary computing devicedisplay.
 11. The secondary computing device display system of claim 1,wherein the first attachment member includes a first frictionallyrotatably mounted shaft, the second attachment member includes a secondfrictionally rotatably mounted shaft, the first frictionally rotatablymounted shaft is coupled to the second frictionally rotatably mountedshaft, and the second attachment member is operable to frictionallyrotate on the first access when the first frictionally rotatably mountedshaft rotates and the second axis when the second frictionally rotatablymounted shaft rotates.
 12. The secondary computing device display systemof claim 11, wherein the first frictionally rotatably mounted shaft ismounted with at least one first washer and at least one first bellevillespring and the second frictionally rotatably mounted shaft is mountedwith at least one second washer and at least one second bellevillespring.
 13. A removable attachment mechanism for removably attaching aprimary computing device display to at least one secondary computingdevice display, comprising: a first attachment member, operable tolockably attach to the at least one secondary computing device display;and a second attachment member, frictionally rotatably coupled to thefirst attachment member, the second attachment member being frictionallyrotatable on a first axis and a second axis, comprising: a clampingtrench, including a first and second lip defining an aperture that isnarrower than the clamping trench, operable to receive a clamping ridgecoupled to the primary computing device display such that the clampingridge is at least partially contained within the clamping trench and aclamping post coupled to the clamping ridge is at least partiallycontained within the aperture defined by the first and second lip; aclamp locking lever operable between a lock position and an unlockposition, the clamp locking lever including a clamp locking mechanism;wherein the clamp locking mechanism is operable to lock the secondattachment member to the clamping ridge partially contained within theclamping trench when the clamp locking lever is in the lock position.14. The removable attachment mechanism of claim 13, wherein the clampingtrench further includes a clamping mechanism aperture and the clamplocking mechanism is at least partially inserted into the clampingtrench via the clamping mechanism aperture when the clamp locking leveris moved to the lock position.
 15. The removable attachment mechanism ofclaim 14, wherein the clamp locking mechanism is at least partiallyremoved from the clamping trench via the clamping mechanism aperturewhen the clamp locking lever is moved to the unlock position.
 16. Theremovable attachment mechanism of claim 13, wherein the clamp lockingmechanism is adapted to engage a notched surface of the clamping ridgepartially contained within the clamping trench when the clamp lockinglever is in the lock position.
 17. The removable attachment mechanism ofclaim 13, wherein the first attachment member includes a firstfrictionally rotatably mounted shaft mounted with at least one firstwasher and at least one first belleville spring, the second attachmentmember includes a second frictionally rotatably mounted shaft mountedwith at least one second washer and at least one second bellevillespring, the first frictionally rotatably mounted shaft is coupled to thesecond frictionally rotatably mounted shaft, and the second attachmentmember is operable to frictionally rotate on the first access when thefirst frictionally rotatably mounted shaft rotates and the second axiswhen the second frictionally rotatably mounted shaft rotates.
 18. Theremovable attachment mechanism of claim 13, wherein the secondattachment member further includes a lever locking mechanism operable tolock the clamp locking lever in place when the clamp locking lever is inthe first position.
 19. A secondary computing device display system,comprising: a primary computing device display, including an adapter,the adapter comprising: a clamping ridge including a notched surface;and a clamping post, the clamping post having a narrower width that theclamping ridge; at least one secondary computing device display; atleast one removable attachment mechanism, comprising: a first attachmentmember, including a first frictionally rotatably mounted shaft, operableto slideably attach to the at least one secondary computing devicedisplay; and a second attachment member, comprising: a clamping trenchincluding a first lip and a second lip that define an aperture that isnarrower than the clamping trench; a clamp locking lever, operablebetween a lock position and an unlock position, including a clamplocking mechanism that is at least partially inserted into the clampingtrench via a clamping aperture when the clamp locking lever is movedinto the lock position and is at least partially removed from theclamping trench via the clamping aperture when the clamp locking leveris moved into the second position; and a lever locking mechanismoperable to lock the clamp locking lever when the clamp locking lever isin the lock position; wherein the second attachment member is operableto couple to the adapter by inserting the clamping ridge at leastpartially into the clamping trench and the clamping post at leastpartially into the aperture defined by the first lip and second lip whenthe clamp locking lever is in the unlock position, the clamping ridge isfrictionally slideable within the clamping trench when the clamp lockinglever is in the unlock position, and the clamp locking mechanism isoperable to engage the notched surface of the clamping ridge and lockthe second attachment member to the adapter when the clamp locking leveris in the lock position; and wherein the second attachment member isfrictionally rotatable on a first axis when the first frictionallymounted shaft rotates and a second axis when the second frictionallymounted shaft rotates.